There is plenty to like about where Villanova women’s basketball is heading into the 2026-27 season.
The Wildcats are coming off their fifth straight 20-win season, finishing 25-8 overall and 16-4 in BIG EAST play. They finished second in the conference and made another run to the BIG EAST Tournament championship game before earning a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Now, Villanova gets to build on that success with a group that has plenty of familiar faces.
Junior Jasmine Bascoe is back after another impressive season. She earned unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST honors for the second straight year after averaging 18.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Senior Brynn McCurry and junior Kelsey Jones are also back after being part of last year’s NCAA Tournament team, giving the Wildcats a solid mix of experience heading into another tough BIG EAST season.
For head coach Denise Dillon, a big part of what makes this group exciting is its versatility.
“I would say the versatility and the ability that we have,” Dillon said. “We do run a motion offense, it’s a passing offense, read-and-react offense, and they’re basketball players.”
That style fits a Villanova team that has never really been known for having a ton of size.
“We’re never known for our size, so that mobility is crucial,” Dillon said.
Dillon wants that same mentality to carry over to the defensive side of the floor.
“You flip the script, you have to have that same thing on the defensive end,” she said. “We might be undersized, so just finding that identity always comes down to mobility and versatility.”
One area where Villanova will have to make up for its lack of size is on the glass.
Dillon said rebounding will be a major focus for the Wildcats, especially against some of the bigger teams they will see throughout the season.
“Major focus in the area of rebounding,” Dillon said. “I think we work our tails off, but have to recognize that we might not have that advantage size-wise. So we’ve got to be gritty, fundamental and go after them.”
Along with the returning players, Villanova will have a couple of new faces looking to make an impact. Dillon mentioned Anna Foley, who comes to Villanova from Quinnipiac, as someone who has already settled in nicely with the team.
“We’re pleased to bring in Anna Foley from Quinnipiac, getting her acclimated with the team and the system,” Dillon said. “I think it’s been a seamless transition.”
Elise Bender is another player Dillon is excited to see get her opportunity after redshirting last season.
“Elise Bender, who was a redshirt for us last year, is quickly showing exactly why we wanted her at Villanova,” Dillon said. “I’m excited to have EJ out there early and often this season.”
The Wildcats have an early test to start the season, opening Nov. 1 against Notre Dame in Rome, Italy, as part of the Eternal City Tip-Off.
The non-conference schedule doesn’t get much easier from there, with Princeton, LSU, Kansas State and West Virginia also on the schedule.
But with Bascoe back, a number of other key players returning and some new pieces ready to step in, Villanova has a lot to be excited about.
The Wildcats know they will have to compete, rebound and play with plenty of versatility, but they also have the experience to make another run at the top of the BIG EAST.
